Shane Jones, Labour party, Northland

Shane Jones

Shane Jones today hosts his last hui-a-tau as chairman of the Treat of Waitangi Fisheries Commission.

Today Te Ohu Kaimoana, the body which replaced the Fisheries Commission, holds its annual meeting or hui-a-tau. What's the big news?

A stellar financial result from our major investment, Sealord. A $53 million profit, the best since we've owned the company.

You chair Te Ohu Kaimoana and Sealord. What's the relationship between the two?

Maori, through Te Ohu Kaimoana, which is accountable to the iwi, own 50 per cent of Sealord.

Your place on Labour's list means you are set to become an MP after the election. Are you giving up those jobs?

The Sealord role is coming to an end. I haven't made my mind up when I'm going to move on. There are no legal or political issues around conflicts of interest. Te Ohu Kaimoana is a completely private body.

The hui-a-tau were previously highly political and publicised events due to debate over how to divide the fisheries settlement. What's your most vivid memory?

The hui-a-tau spun out of control in Orakei in 1994. I remember Arthur Harawira wandering around and giving Sir Tipene O'Regan chocolate fish.

The debate was vicious at times, causing significant rifts between various Maori communities. Have they been repaired?

The debate was ferocious. It proved that muck is never far from money. But people have moved on with their lives.

Do you have any regrets about the way it played out, and what did it teach you?

I regret that it took so long. I did learn, however, that it is important to give people their say and build a constituency of support.

How many iwi now meet the governance criteria giving them access to the assets, and how much of a barrier is this proving?

In October/November 10 per cent of the iwi should have their assets. The constitutional threshold is a contentious area but a necessary safeguard.

You are contesting the safe National seat of Northland for Labour. How do you find campaigning?

Unlike anything I have done. I'm constantly puzzled as to what the butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers see in Winston.

Is he particularly popular in Northland?

Strangely enough, quite a few Maori find Winston appealing.

What are the most successful campaigning tips you've learned?

Managing the media and not looking or acting like a nightclub bouncer.

Why does Northland MP John Carter have such a hold on his seat?

About 30 per cent of enrolled voters in the area have not voted in recent elections.

How many Maori seats will the Maori Party win and which ones are still volatile?

Are you asking me that? Hmm. There's no room for complacency.

Has Labour lost Maori voters and if not, what is keeping them onside?

The seabed and foreshore turned the more traditional Maori off. Labour's essential equity message is drawing them back and the mothers are leading their families back.

You know aspiring National MP Tau Henare and Maori Party Tai Tokerau candidate Hone Harawira well. How, and do you label them friends?

Tau's kids and my kids went to the same kura. Hone and I are from the same iwi. I have not had a career in politics and will inevitably maintain relationships beyond politics. They will suffer indignities at the end of my verbal taiaha.